Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

What is FGM?

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), is also known as female circumcision, cutting, sunna, gudniin, halalays, tahur, megrez and khitan, among others. It’s a painful and illegal process that involves cutting, injuring or changing a girl’s external genitalia (private parts). FGM is a cultural tradition and there’s no medical or religious reason for it. In the UK, FGM is considered child abuse.

Impact of FGM

FGM can have a profound impact on a person. When done, it will cause physical issues such as intense pain or bleeding and can result in infection. Months and years later, it can still impact a person, like problems going to the toilet or difficulty having sex or giving birth. As important as these are the emotional and mental affects, for example depression, anxiety and loss of confidence.

What you can do

If this is something you have gone through, may be going through or you know someone who’s dealing with this, use the resources and helplines below. Also, you may be feeling confused or scared; you might not want to get anyone in trouble but it’s important to remember FGM is abuse and you have the right to speak out and stay safe.

– If you or anyone you know is in immediate danger call the police on 999

– Speak to an adult that you trust such as a teacher, doctor, nurse or youth worker